Something I have done that I never thought I could is getting published. I have only been published in literary magazines, and my writing has only been accepted by a handful of publishers, but the fact that I even got published at all is something I never thought would happen. 

I have been published in Agape Review, Alternate Route, Feed the Holy, Academy of the Heart and Soul, and 100subtext magazine. I also have published two chapbooks on Amazon. I’m working on my first novel right now and am not sure if I will self-publish it or submit it to a publisher.

But I have a little more faith in my writing than I had a few years ago. I have taken some online writing courses that have significantly improved my work, but I know I have more work towards being a good writer still ahead of me. 

Like I said, my faith in myself has significantly improved over the last few years and I’m hopeful that I can make my dream come true to become an established writer. 

I have struggled with insecurity and poor self-esteem for many years. It wasn’t until my dad passed away three years ago that I decided not to live to please him but to pursue my own dreams and express my authenticity. I was fighting a losing battle by trying to earn his approval, and when he passed away, I finally realized that I needed to live my own life, not the life he wanted me to live.

So, though it might be small, the fact that my writing was good enough for a handful of publishers is something I thought I could never do. It has given me hope to keep pursuing my dreams.